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In engineering, a factor of safety (FoS) or safety factor (SF) expresses how much stronger a system is than it needs to be for an intended load.Safety factors are often calculated using detailed analysis because comprehensive testing is impractical on many projects, such as bridges and buildings, but the structure's ability to carry a load must be determined to a reasonable accuracy.
The "factor" is sometimes called a factor of safety, although this is technically incorrect because the factor includes allowance for matters such as local stresses and manufacturing imperfections that are not specifically calculated; exceeding the allowable values is not considered to be good practice (i.e. is not "safe").
A home lift not to be confused with a home elevator is a type of lift specifically designed for private homes, where the design takes into consideration the following four factors: 1. Compact design in view of the limitations of space in a private residence, 2. Usage of the lift restricted primarily to the residents of the private homes, 3.
Another common example is that in an elevator the cable supporting the car keeps spring-loaded brakes open. If the cable breaks, the brakes grab rails, and the elevator cabin does not fall. Some systems can never be made fail safe, as continuous availability is needed. For example, loss of engine thrust in flight is dangerous.
Isolation valves, and control valves, that are used for example in systems containing hazardous substances, can be designed to close upon loss of power, for example by spring force. This is known as fail-closed upon loss of power. An elevator has brakes that are held off brake pads by the tension of the elevator cable. If the cable breaks ...
The elevators in a skyscraper are not simply a necessary utility like running water and electricity, but are in fact closely related to the design of the whole structure. A taller building requires more elevators to service the additional floors, but the elevator shafts consume valuable floor space.
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The safety and speed of electric elevators were significantly enhanced by Frank Sprague, who added floor control, automatic operation, acceleration control, and further safety devices. His elevator ran faster and with larger loads than hydraulic or steam elevators. 584 of Sprague's elevators were installed before he sold his company to the Otis ...